
Official Detective - Three Men Dealing with Currency Exchanges
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Narrator
Official Detective Dedicated to the men who guard your safety and protect your home. Your police department. Official Detective Presented in cooperation with Official Detective Stories magazine and starring Craig McDonald as Detective Detective Lieutenant Dan Brett. But first, a word from the Ford dealers of America. Ford's won it again. The New York Fashion Academy Award as America's Fashion Car of the year. Listen to what Mrs. Eric McCabe of Houston, Texas, one of the more than 190,000 happy owners, said about her 1954.
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Narrator
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Lieutenant Dan Britt
Lieutenant Dan Britt, headquarters. If there's anything the criminal hates more than a cop, it's an informer. But the squealer takes his chances. On one side of the scales is the money he'll receive for his information. On the other is life.
Pete
Go on, Pete, pick it up. No, thanks. You sound like you mean it. I do mean. Ah. What's the matter, Pete? I never yet met a guy that turned his nose up at 100,000 bucks. You know what's the matter?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
No.
Pete
We copped 500 grand on that job, Chris. 500 G's. It was supposed to be a three way split. 100 grand ain't 135. The way I figure it is. You figure wrong. Now listen and get this straight, Pete. For your part in the act, you get 100 G's. The rest goes to me and Manny. 100 grand, Pete. Now pick it up. Where's the rest? I told you. Me and Manny. Right, Manny? Right. You see, Manny ain't squawking, but I am. I thought it was supposed to be a three way split, Chris. You thought wrong. I think I'm gonna take this line down. I don't know what you mean by that. Pete. But if you start any trouble, I'll lay you flat on your back. Right, Manny? Right. But you said. I don't care what I said. Now, look, Pete. You want it straight, I'll give it to you straight. Do that. Manny and me pull that heist, no thanks to you. What do you mean? Just what I said. You were just the lookout. Was. Manny and me went in the currency exchange. Was? Manny and me did the dirty work. We shot up the guard. We took the risks. I still say knocking off that guard wasn't smart. Point is, we had to. It was him or us. So all in all, Pete, me and Manny figure we did most of the work. And that's why we're taking a bigger split. You ought to feel glad we're letting you have even a hundred grand of it. Now, take it or leave it. Okay, I'll take it.
Narrator
Smart.
Pete
But I don't like it. Tough. I'll see you guys later. Where you going? Out. Minnie, huh? I don't like his attitude. Tell him. See where he goes.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
I got it. John. Lieutenant Brett.
Wendy Clark
Hello, Lieutenant. Wendy Clark.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Hi, Wendy.
Pete
How are you?
Wendy Clark
Not dad. You.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Oh, working as usual.
Wendy Clark
Anything new on that currency exchange robbery?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Not a thing. A guard died in the hospital. I suppose you know that.
Wendy Clark
Yes, I heard. Look, Lieutenant, if you do get a lead, will you give me a break on it?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
You know, you're my favorite reporter.
Wendy Clark
Thanks, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Right. Wendy.
Pete
Wendy Clark.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Yeah. Nice kid.
Pete
Well, I suppose he was asking about the exchange robbery.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
And so is the commissioner.
Pete
We know as much now as we knew two days ago. Which isn't much.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Something will break, Joe. It's got to.
Pete
Miss Clark?
Wendy Clark
That's right.
Pete
I'm the guy that called you on the phone. I figured this place was good as any to meet.
Wendy Clark
It's not exactly high class, but I've been here before.
Pete
Now, listen, I. Beer? What do you have?
Wendy Clark
Another coffee.
Pete
Beer and coffee.
Wendy Clark
What's your name?
Pete
Call me Pete.
Wendy Clark
Pete what?
Pete
Just Pete. Can I trust you?
Wendy Clark
I've come this far without getting you into trouble. Now, what's all the mystery about Pete?
Pete
That currency exchange job the other day.
Wendy Clark
What about it?
Pete
I HEAR they're offering 25 G's reward.
Wendy Clark
That's right.
Pete
I. I'd like to get that doe.
Wendy Clark
Oh, easy enough. You can lead the police to the people responsible for the guard's death.
Pete
I can?
Wendy Clark
You kidding?
Pete
No, no, I ain't kidding.
Wendy Clark
Who did it?
Pete
Not so fast. Not so fast.
Wendy Clark
There's some strings attached.
Pete
Yeah, a few.
Wendy Clark
All right, I'm listening.
Pete
Here's the Pitch, kid. I'll make it short and plain. I. I had something to do with that heist.
Wendy Clark
You were in on it?
Pete
In a way. Now, don't get me wrong. I ain't no killer. I didn't bump that guard. I was against it from the start.
Wendy Clark
No doubt. Go on.
Pete
Here's my angle. If I start talking to the law, I put my own neck in the noose.
Wendy Clark
I don't see how you can avoid it.
Pete
I know, I know. I ain't arguing that way. But I don't want that noose tightened up. Know what I mean?
Wendy Clark
No. And I don't see where I fit into this either.
Pete
Look, Ms. Clark, you got a good rep in this town as a police reporter and a person. The cops like you, they trust you. Guys like me, we like you too. You ain't never crossed any of us yet.
Wendy Clark
Never mind the flattery now.
Pete
You got influence with the law.
Wendy Clark
Now, wait a minute. You want me to speak in your behalf. If you turn in the rest of the crowd, you want to be sure of leniency from the court, is that it?
Pete
Yeah. Yeah, you got it. And another thing. The reward. I want a guarantee on that. Maybe they'll send me up. But I want a guarantee on that reward. 25 G's. What do you say, Ms. Clark? Think you can swing it?
Wendy Clark
I don't know. Lisa and I get along, but I'm not sure we get along that well.
Pete
Look it, you got nothing to lose. Everything to gain. The story, the exclusive, probably a raise. Why? Why, I'd even give you part of the reward if you want.
Wendy Clark
No, that's not necessary. Well, I. I'll see what I can do. But don't count on anything.
Pete
Thanks, kid.
Wendy Clark
Meet me at the office tonight and I'll.
Pete
Office? Nothing doing. It's too risky.
Wendy Clark
Well, all right. Here's my home address. Come up about 8. I'll let you know what happens.
Pete
Good. Look, Ms. Clark, don't cross me, will you? I'm dealing with you. Cause you got a good rep and I think I can trust you. Don't let me down, will you, kid?
Wendy Clark
I won't let you down.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Well, it's good to see you, Wendy. Sit down.
Wendy Clark
Thank you.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
What's on your mind?
Wendy Clark
The currency exchange robbery.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
I told you earlier today. We have nothing new on it.
Wendy Clark
But I have.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
What do you mean?
Wendy Clark
I talked to somebody a little while ago. Somebody closely connected with the man who pulled the robbery and shot the guard.
Pete
Who?
Wendy Clark
He didn't tell me his name.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
You mean you talked to him, saw him, got Information from him. And you don't know who he is?
Wendy Clark
That's it.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Look Wendy, what's this all about?
Pete
I hear.
Wendy Clark
Hold on, don't hit the ceiling. It's one of those deals, that's all.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
What deals?
Wendy Clark
This person was in on the robbery. I don't know how much he had to do with it, but he was there. Now the point is he wants to turn informers, but he wants a deal
Pete
from the DA right now.
Wendy Clark
I don't know the district attorney that well. And you? Do you think you can talk him into something?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
I doubt it.
Wendy Clark
Well you can try. Maybe this certain party wants a good slice of leniency and a guarantee on the $25,000 reward.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
He's not asking much, is he?
Wendy Clark
Well sure, it's a big price. But look what he's giving in return. The people who pulled the job killed the guards and possibly most of the money.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Uh huh. Now what's his name? The guy you spoke to?
Wendy Clark
I told you, I don't know.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Come on Wendy.
Wendy Clark
He put his trust in me. He didn't have to. The least I can do is play ball with him.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
What about me?
Wendy Clark
If you play ball with us, you can crack this case. Nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
You've got me on a spot.
Wendy Clark
Oh, what do you say Lieutenant? Will you go along?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
I'll see what I can do. But I can't promise anything.
Wendy Clark
Well. And Lieutenant, don't have me shagged, huh? Just trust me.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
If I didn't trust you, I'd have you locked up. Now get out of here, Wendy. I've got work to do with the da.
Pete
Hello Manny. Where you been all afternoon? Hailing Pete like you asked me to. He's up to trouble, Chris. Yeah, why spill it? First he goes to Casey's Tavern over on Carbon. Yeah, yeah, I know where it is. Get to the point. Well, he meets a dame. Good looking dame too. Talks to us. About what? I don't know. I couldn't get near enough to hear him without him seeing me. But I asked around, see. Who do you think the dame is? Come on Manny. Wendy Clark, crime reporter in the Trip. That double crossing punk. Oh that ain't all. He's up there now. Up where? That dames place over in 32nd Street. I tailed him. Went up about 15 minutes ago. 8 o'. Clock. That punk figures to cross us. I can see that much. Come on Manny. Where to? Dame's apartment and bring your rod.
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Lieutenant Dan Britt
Awesome match Joe.
Pete
Sure thing.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Thanks.
Pete
So the DA is going to play, huh?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Yeah, he said he would.
Pete
How far?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
If we nab the killers and if this guy of Wendy's is telling the truth about how much he had to do with the robbery, then the DA is willing to ask the court for leniency. What about the reward company? Said they're willing to pass.
Pete
You told Wendy?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Yeah, Phoned her about an hour ago.
Pete
Yeah, it's 8:30 now. When she get back to us?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Sometime tonight.
Pete
I hope it pans out.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
You and me both.
Pete
But if you ask me, Wendy's the
Lieutenant Dan Britt
one who deserves the reward. Yeah. Match Joe.
Pete
I just gave you one.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
It didn't take.
Wendy Clark
And then what did you do?
Pete
Went back to the place on Cressy Street. Yeah.
Wendy Clark
The money's there now?
Pete
Yeah. 400 grand.
Wendy Clark
Is it in a bag or something?
Pete
Chris's suitcase.
Wendy Clark
Including your 100,000?
Pete
Uh huh. Only why I trust him with it, I don't know.
Wendy Clark
You better stop worrying about it. Money will have to go back to the exchange. All of it.
Pete
But.
Wendy Clark
But you saved 400,000. I thought it was five.
Pete
I know. We only got four, I think. Anything else you want to know?
Wendy Clark
Got it all. As soon as I arrange these notes, we'll run down to headquarters. Then I'll get the story over to the paper.
Pete
Think this will work out? Why shouldn't I mean the da he won't cross me, will he?
Wendy Clark
Don't worry so much. Oh, excuse me. Yes?
Pete
Back up, sister.
Wendy Clark
Wait a minute.
Pete
Back up.
Wendy Clark
What's this all about?
Pete
Shut up. There he is. Chris. Chris, listen. I can. I mean listen. Punk. You dirty, lousy punk. Oh Chris, don't. I swear Chris, I didn't. The girl. Over here. Manny. Move. Sis.
Wendy Clark
I'd still like to know what this is all about.
Pete
And I'd like to know what Pete told you. I didn't tell her nothing.
Wendy Clark
S. I swear I.
Pete
How many times I got to tell you? Take a look at this. What? These papers. Interesting, huh? Let me see. Even working hard, haven't you, sweetheart?
Wendy Clark
I always work hard.
Pete
Two copies too. Oh, well, the whole inside story here on paper. Manny's name, my name, even Pete's part in it. How he pulled off the job where the dough is everything. Nice, sweetheart, very nice.
Wendy Clark
Thank you for the compliment.
Pete
But it'll never see the front page. Right, Manny? Right. Chris. Chris. I didn't tell enough. I swear, Chris, I don't. You lousy crossing punk. Chris, Wait. What's your name? Chris. Get away from that door. I'm telling you. Too bad. He wasn't a bad looking kid. There's the fireplace. Manny, burn these two copies here. Someone scran this place. Oh, you're forgetting something. That 100 grand we gave Pete, it's in his pocket. Get it. You can't use it now. All right. Morgue wagon's on the way, Lieutenant. Uh huh. Me said he'd have the slugs for as soon as possible.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Okay, Joe.
Pete
Ah, snap out of it, Lieutenant. Come on now.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
She was a fine girl, Joe.
Pete
Yeah, I know.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Well, get the punk who did this.
Pete
Sure. Print boys are working, but I doubt if they'll get anything.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Make them try hard.
Pete
The guy's name is Raiden. Pete Radin.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Don't know him.
Pete
A couple of things in our files, but not much.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Small time crook. I wish I knew the names of the rest of the mob.
Pete
I wonder if he'd told Wendy anything about Dave.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Hard to say, but he probably had. That's why she got it.
Pete
Wanna take a look around?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
You go ahead. I'll go back to headquarters. If you find anything, let me know. Check.
Pete
Manny. Manny. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I'm here. How many times do I have to call? I heard you. Start packing. Packing what? Our clothes. What do you think? We're going to blow this town. Now snap it. Sure.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Come in, Joe.
Pete
Well, we went over the apartment. Didn't find much.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Anything at all?
Pete
Yeah. Evidently Wendy had written the whole story in outline.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
How do you know?
Pete
We found some charred papers in the fireplace. Most of it wasn't legible, but there was enough to tell us what it was about. She'd made an original and one copy. Got it all on one page.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Killers probably found them, burned them how much of the story was readable?
Pete
Not enough. No names except Pete Raiden's. No addresses. Uh huh.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
An original and a copy, you said?
Pete
Yeah, why?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Come on, Joe. Let's take another look at that apartment.
Pete
How you doing? Okay. Got any more shirts to go in here? Yeah, one or two. By the way, where are we headed? I figure on Florida. That sounds great. It's nice and warm down there. I'll get it. Yes?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Your name? Marvin. Chris Marvin.
Pete
Yeah, why?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
I'd like to talk to you.
Pete
Sorry, fella, I haven't got time.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
I'm sorry too, but I'd like to talk to you. Sure,
Pete
what do you want?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
I want you, Marvin, and this guy here. Name's Manny Klinger. Right.
Narrator
So?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
So, you're both under arrest.
Pete
Listen, I don't get this. What are you trying.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
My name's Britt, Marvin. Lieutenant Britt.
Pete
Cop?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Yeah.
Pete
You got a warrant?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Search and arrest.
Pete
What are you searching for, number one?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
A bag. A bag that should contain $500,000. Two a gun, caliber.38.
Pete
We got no 500 G's.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
I'll take a look anyway, if you don't mind.
Pete
And we got no gun either, copper.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Sorry, I can't take your word on it. Now let's look around.
Pete
Wait a minute. Yeah? What's the charge?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Two charges. One robbery, currency exchange a few days ago. Two murder, triple murder. The exchange guard, Pete Raiden and Wendy Clark.
Pete
I don't know anything about any of that.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Cut it, Marvin. I know the whole story.
Pete
Yeah? Who told it to you?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Wendy Clark?
Pete
Wendy Clark?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
No, she didn't come back to life, Marvin. But before she died, she wrote the whole thing down on paper as Pete gave it to her. Everything about the robbery, where the money is, who shot the guard, everything. Nuts. Don't get cocky, Marvin. Sure. You think you're in the clear because you burned those two copies of the outline she wrote. You did a good job too. But you forgot something. Yeah, there were two copies, all nice and neat. But two copies mean carbon paper. That's what you forgot to burn, Marvin. Wendy used a fresh carbon on that story. All we had to do was hold it up to a mirror and read it. See it now.
Pete
So what? Just because a dang.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Tell me part of the evidence, the rest will back it up. When I find a gun and the bag with the money, you won't have a leg to stand on in court.
Pete
I guess not.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Then don't try a break, Marvin. That goes for you too, Clinger. I've got a bunch of boys with me. They're outside in the hall. You two step outside to take you in.
Pete
Sure. Just let me change my.
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Go reach for a gun, Marvin. I only. Do I have to tell you twice?
Pete
No, no, you don't have to. Everything okay, Lieutenant?
Lieutenant Dan Britt
Fine, Joe. Clean these two characters. We'll take them.
Narrator
You have just heard Official Detective Tense Dramatic stories of criminal investigation. Starring Craig McDonnell as Detective Lieutenant Dan Britt. Here's important news for truck owners. Ford truck prices have just been reduced. Yes, price reductions up to $80. We're talking about Ford bonus built trucks for 1950. The trucks that have scored greater sales gains than all other makes combined. These new price reductions, more than ever make Ford America's number one truck. Value 21. Smart truck advancements for 1950 include new models that expand Ford's line to over 175 models. New power suspension. New features that give more performance at less cost. Smart truck buyers who are switching to Ford now get even greater savings with these new price reductions. Remember, Ford trucks cost less because Ford trucks last longer. Latest available registrations prove it. Why not see your Ford dealer tomorrow? Official Detective is presented in cooperation with Official Detective Stories magazine. If you've enjoyed tonight's story, you will find many more stories of equal appeal in our February issue, now on sale at your newsstand. Sergeant Joe Allen was played by Lawson Zerbe. And Chris was Joe DeSantis. Wendy was played by Margaret Draper. Pete was Milton Herman. And Manny was Sandy Struffs. Official Detective is produced and directed by Wim Wright. Written by William K. Wells, Jr. With special music by Chet Kingsbury. All names of persons and places used in this program are fictitious. Any resemblance to names of actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental. This program came from New York. This is the mutual broadcasting system. It.
Date: July 24, 2026
Main Cast:
This episode of Official Detective, presented by Harold’s Old Time Radio, dramatizes a gripping tale of crime, betrayal, and police investigation centered around a violent currency exchange robbery. The story unfolds around three criminals dividing stolen money unequally, the pivotal role of an informant, and the honorable sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice. At its core, the episode exemplifies classic noir storytelling with themes of greed, loyalty, and the high cost of truth.
Lieutenant Dan Britt’s opening note on informers:
“If there’s anything the criminal hates more than a cop, it’s an informer. But the squealer takes his chances. On one side… the money… on the other is life.” ([02:03])
Wendy’s stand for integrity:
“He put his trust in me. He didn’t have to. The least I can do is play ball with him.” ([10:19])
Chris’s callousness as he burns Wendy’s story:
“But it’ll never see the front page. Right, Manny?” ([15:59])
The final breakthrough:
“That’s what you forgot to burn, Marvin. Wendy used a fresh carbon on that story. All we had to do was hold it up to a mirror and read it.” ([21:08])
Official Detective delivers taut, hard-boiled drama with crisp dialogue and a classic noir feel. The narrative centers on moral dilemmas, the courage of standing up for the right thing, and the hard-boiled wit and skepticism of police work. The tension escalates naturally, peaking in the tragic deaths of Pete and Wendy, then resolving with dogged detective work and understated justice.
This episode is a fine example of Golden Age radio drama, rich in suspense, atmosphere, and moral complexity, making it captivating both for nostalgic listeners and new fans of vintage crime storytelling.